Dynamometer-car.



J. F. OCONNOR. DYNAMOMETER CAR.

APPLICATION man SEPT. 8, 191s.

Patented oet. 22, 1918.

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J. F. OCONNOR.

DYNAIYIOMETER CAR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 8. |916.

Pdtented 00L 22, 198.

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J. F. OCONNOH.

DYNAMONIETER CAR. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 8,1916. 1,282, 0 Patented Oct.22, 1918.

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M14 j u .B Y W @ATTORNEY J. F. OCGNNOR.

DYNMOMHER CAR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 3. I9I6,

Patentd Oct. 22, 1918.

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W I TNESSES ATTORNEY DYNAMOMETER CAR.

APPLICAUON FILED SEPLB, 191s.

1,282, 1 1 0.. Patented. 001:. ,22, 1918,

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l'UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN F. OCONNOR, OF CHICAGO, ELIIZIIN'OIS,` ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM H.MINER, OF CHAZY, NEW YORK.

DYNAIVIOMETER-CAR.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 22, 1918.

Application filed September 8, 1916. Serial No. 118,968.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, JOHN F. OCoNNoR, a citizen of the United States,residing :at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented a certain new and useful Improvement in Dynamometer-Cars, ofwhich the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of thisspecification.

This invention relates to improvements in i l vnamometer cars.

One object of this invention is to provide a dynamometer car which maybe used under actual operating conditions for testing the actions ofdraft gears.

Another object of the invention is to proride a dynamometer car havingmeans for making a continuous record of the draw bar pull or tractiveeffort and' substantially instantaneous records of the performance of agear under sudden impact or draft.

The invention furthermore consists in the improvements in the parts anddevices and in the novel combinations of the parts and devices hereinshown, described and claimed.

ln the drawing forming a part of this specification, Figure l is ahorizontal sectional view, taken above the floor line of a dynamometercar showing my improvements in connection therewith. Fig. 2 is avertical,

longitudinal sectional view of the car illus trated in Fig. 1 and takenon the line 2 2 thereof. Fig. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of therecordingmechanisms and parts immediately associated therewith. Fig. 4is an yenlarged vertical, longitudinal sectional view takensubstantially on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are transverse,vertical sectional views taken on the lines 5 5 and 6 6, respectively ofFig. 3. Fig. 7 is an end elevation of a portion of the car end andcasting employed with the draw bar. Fig. 8 a broken, side elevation ofthe structure illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a transverse, verticalsectional view taken substantially on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. l0 isa diagrammatical view illustrating a sample record card made with one ofthe recording mechanisms. And Fig. 1l is another diagrammatical viewillustrating a sample record card made by the other recording mechanism.

In said drawing, the dynamometer car is shown as provided with channelcenter sills 20 extending from end to end of the car, floor 21, endwalls 22, roof 23, side walls 24c 24, and a centrally located `pit 25,the

latter being rendered accessible by steps 26 at each end. The end andside walls of the car are provided with suitable doors 27 27 to permitaccess to the interior of the car. rlhe car is provided at each endthereof with a coupler 28, the coupler at one end having a coupler ordraw bar extension 29 which extends beyond the center of the car andoverlaps a coupler or draw bar extension 30, rigidly connected to thecoupler at the other enl of the car. The details of said draw barextensions are more particularly hereinafter described.

Each draw bar extension 29 and 30 is preferably provided at its outerend with a box-like casting 31 bolted thereto as indicated at 32, eachcasting 3l being adapted to receive and rigidly hold the shank of itsrrespective coupler 28. The drawbar extensions 29 and 30 are adapted toreciprocate back and forth freely between the center sills 2O and inorder to permit this and at the same time maintain the longitudinalmovements of said draw bar extensions in a horizontal line. I haveprovided ya series of links 33 pivotally suspended from cross bars 3lmounted on the tops of the channel center sills. A corresponding numberof upwardly extending links 35 are pivotally mounted on cross bars 36secured to the bottoms of the center sills. Each set of links 33 and 35(see Figs. 8 and 9) is pivotally connected with links 37 which arearranged horizontally in normalposition. The links 37 are pivotallymounted on cross pins 38 extending through the respective draw barextensions. With the arrangement shown, it is apparent that upon eitherinward or outward movement of the draw bar extension, the centers of thecross pins 38 thereof will always travel in a horizontal plane due tothe parallel motion linkages above described. In the drawings, I haveshown two'sets of parallel linkages for supporting each of the draw barextensions, see Figs. 1 and 2.

By referring to Figs. 3, l and 5, it will be seen that the channelcenter sills are each provided with a stop casting 39 on their innerfaces, the stop castings 39 each having six main stops 40, 4l, 4-2, 43,44 and 45.

Each of the stop castings is also provided 110 eov Las

with a corresponding number of limiting stops 14:0, l-l-Il, 1&2, 143,14A and 145. Mounted between said stop castings are three sets ofsprings A, B and C. Each set comprises three springs arranged side byside, the sets A, B and C being arranged in tandem formation, that is,one behind the other in line with the axes of the draw bar extensions.Each set of springs A, B and C is provided at its ends withspringfollowers 240, 241; 242, 2&8; and 2de and lThe draw bar extension29-is forked at its inner end as indicated at 129, 129 and between thearms or forksr129 extends the inner end of the extension 30. rlhe arms129 of the draw bar extension 29 are recessed to accommodate thespringsand followers and portions of said arms 129 normally engage thefollowers 240, 241, 2412 and rlhe followers 241 and are engaged byvertical thimbles 46. The draw bar extension 30 is also recessed toaccommodate the springs and followers and it Y normally engages thc fellowers ,24;0, 243, 2411iand 245, said extension 30 having a. verticalthimble located bev tween the followers 2%1'3 and 244i.

From the preceding description, it will be seen that, when a pull isexerted on the coupler having the extension 30, the end sets of springsA and C will be compressed, that is, the follower 24:0 will be movedtoward the follower 241 which is held relatively7 fixed and the follower24st will be moved toward the follower 2&5 which also is held relativelyfixed. Upon an inward or butiing movement of the same draw bar extension30, the two sets of springs B and C will be compressed, the follower 243being forced toward the relatively stationary follower 242 by thethimble 4:7, and the follower 245 moved toward the relativelyTstationary follower 2li. Upon an out-ward movement of the draw barextension 29, that is toward the left as viewed in Fig. 3, the sets ofsprings A and C will be compressed since the followers 2li and 245 willbe moved toward the left. Upon an inward movement of the draw barextension 29.1 that is, toward the right as viewed in Fig. 3, the setsof springs A and B will be compressed since the followers 240 and 242will be moved toward the followers 2&1 and 24.3, respectively. Each ofthe draw bar extensions with its coupler, is made extremely heavy andpreferably of 9,000 lbs. each since this weight is the weight of a drophammer ordinarily used in testing draft gears with a drop hammer. Thereason for adopting this weight in the present construction will appearhereinafter, although it is apparent that other weights may be used andthe proper calculations made therefor.

From the preceding description of the arrangement of springs, followers.and draw bar extensions cope-rating therewith, it will anic the draw barpull, l have provided the fol- 1 lowing arrangement.

By referring more particularly to Figs. 3, 6 and 11, it will be seenthat there are-,two bridge members 458-48 whichfextend from one arm 129.to the other arm 129 of thc draw bar extension 29 and over the draw barextension 30. Mounted between said bridges 48 is a rotatable cylinder 49with its axis extending longitudinally of the car.`

Said cylinder t9 is adapted to have wound therearound a record strip 50which unrollsfroma spindle 51 also rotatably supported by the bridges 48at the opposite ends thereof. The strip 50 passes over a lixed bed orplate 52 carried by the bridges48. The cylinder 49 maybe rotated by anysuitable means at a constant, relatively slowy speed as by a clockmechanism indicated diagrammatically at 53 in Fig. 3. lt is obvious fromthe preceding description, taken in connec tion with the drawing, thatthe'record strip 50 will partake of the movements of the draw barextension 29. Pivotally attached to the draw bar extension 30 asindica-ted at 54C so as to partake of the movements of said extension30, is a lever -having the inner end 'thereof extending over-the recordsheet 50. rllhe inner end of the lever 55 carries a pencil or othersuitable Vmarking device 56, whereby to make a diagram or record on thesheet 50. When the two draw bar extensions 29 and 30 are in normalposition, it is apparent. that the pencil 56 will make a linecorresponding to the line r, s on the record strip 50, which is at thecenter of the strip. 'lhe record strip 50 is preferably provided with aseries of lines t, t arranged parallel to the line r, s, the lines tcorresponding to the amount of draw bar pull. When a. pull is beingexerted on either of the draw bar extensions 29 and 30, the pencil 56will make a record similar to that indicated by the line o in Fig` 11.The distance of any point in said line from the line r, s isproportional t0 the draw bar pull and' by properly spacing the lines t,they draw bar pull can be readily estimated. The record sheet 50 is alsopr0- vided with a series of lines 'w equally spaced and which extend atright angles to the lines 25. The lines 'w correspond to intervals oftime and the use thereof will be readily understood by those skilled inthe art. lt willbe noted in Fig. 1l that part of the los record v is toone side of the line r, s rand another partto' the opposite thereof.These two portions correspond, one to a relatively separating movementof the draw bar extensions 29 and 30, and the other to a relativeapproach of said draw bar extensions 29 and 30.

In order to record the work done during any blow or pull, l haveprovided thefollowing mechanism.

Referring-more particularly to Figs. 3, e, 5 and 10, it will be seenthat there is a bridge' 58 which extends from one arm 129 to the otherarm 129 over the draw bar extension 30. Pivotally mounted on said bridge58 is a lever arm 59 which, at its free end. carries a pencil 60.` Thepencil 60 is adapted to eoperate With a record sheet G1 carried by acylinder 02 mounted as hereinbefore described. Normally, the pencil 60is kept out of engagement With the sheet 61 bymeans of a spring 63. Thelever 59 is, however, provided with an armature 64C which is adapted tocoperate With a magnet 65 carried by said bridge 58. Suitable electricalconnections are made with the magnet 05 so that the current may becaused to energize the magnet at any instant to thereby pull down thelever 59 and cause engagement of the pencil 60 vvith the record sheet61. The cylinder 62 is rotatablyy carried by a suitable casting 66rigidly mounted on the draw bar extension 30. the axis of the cylinder62 extending parallel to the axis of the draw bar extension 30. Theshaft 67 which carries the cylinder 62 is provided at one end-With abeveled gear 68 which meshes with another beveled gear 69 carried on theinner end of a flexible shaft 70. The shaft 70 is connected at itsopposite end with the armature of a motor indicated diagrammatically at7l, the motor being mounted on a part of the car underframe. Alsocarried by the draw bar extension 30 is a speed indicator 72 which isConnected by a `belt 73 to the shaft 67'tliat carries the cylinder 62.

The cylinder 02 isy driven at relatively high speed from the motor 7l,the speed being determinable by means of the speed indicator 72, as Willbe apparent. instant a blow is being transmitted to either of thecouplers or dran*y bars, the operator will energize the magnet (35, thuscausing the pencil to engage the rapidly' rotating record sheet 6l.wWithout any relative movey ment between the draw bar extensions 29 and30, the pencil G0 will make a line corresponding to that referenced .rin Fig. 10. As soon asy the blow is transmitted to the draw barextensioina record will befmade corresponding to that indicated at y in7Eig. 10. In actual practice, the-time required for making this recordWill'be a relatively small fraction of a second. Ido not deem itnecessary to enter into a detailed descrip- At the gears, to Whichreference is hereby made. As

described in said patent No. 1,217 ,9S-1, the recording mechanism isdesigned for coperation with a hammer Vof 9,000 lbs., for Which reasonthe draw bar and draw bar extensions in the dynamometer car hereindescribed are made of similar weight, to facilitate reading of therecord cards.

The method by Which the record is actually read and the Work performed,calculated, is described more fully in my Patent No. 1,225,687, issuedMay 15, 1917, for improvement in indicators.

F rom the preceding description, it Will be seen that, when a suddenshock is transmitted to either of the draw bars and its extension, acertain amount of 'Work will necessarily be performed in acceleratingthe 9,000 lb. draw bar and itsr extension from a relatively zerovelocity to a higher velocity. Knowing the Weight which is thusaccelerated and from the record card made of the operation, the timeduring which they Ving mechanism for registering the draw bar pull, acontinuous record is provided which shows the operating conditions ofthe car at all times during a continuous run. It will also be noted thatthe tivo sets of recording mechanisms are so arranged that theycooperate With both draw bars and extensions.

I have herein shown and described What I novv consider the preferredmeans of carrying out my invention, but the same is merely illustrativeand as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes andmodifications may be made in the details of construction and arrangementof parts Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I contemplate all changes and modifications that come Within the scopeof the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

1. In a dynamonieter car, the combination with a yieldingly mounted drawbar and extension of a predetermined relatively heavy Weight, ofmechanism associated with said draw bar and carried by the car forrecording the rate of acceleration of the dranr bar and its extensionwhen a sudden shock is transmitted thereto.

2. In a dynamometer car, the combination withv a pair of longitudinallymovablehdraiv bars having extensions, the draw bars and extensions beingyieldingly mounted With Las respect to the car and each being of apredetermined, relatively heavy weight, of mechanism associated withboth of said draw bars and extensions and the car for recording the rateof acceleration of either draw bar and its extension when a sudden shockis transmitted thereto.

3. ln a dynamometer car, the combination with a pair of oppositelyarranged draw bars, each vieldingly longitudinally movably mounted withrespect to the car proper, of a single recording mechanism associatedwith both of said draw bars and adapted to indicate the draw bar pull ofeither.

a. In a dynamonieter car, the combination with a pair of oppositelyarranged draw bars each vieldin Olv longitudinallv movablv 7 u C n, .l

mounted with respect to the car proper, or" an intermittently operablerecording mechanism associated with both orP said bars and adapted toregister the rate of acceleration of either of said draw bars upontransmission of a sudden shock thereto.

5. In a dynamometer car, the combination with a pair ot draw bars havingextensions, said draw bars and extensions being each of a known heavyweight, of means for supporting said draw bars and extensions to permitindependent longitudinal movement thereof and at the same time maintainthe draw bars and extensions in the same horizont'al plane.

6. in a dynamometer car, the combination with a pair or" oppositelyarranged draw bars and extensions each independentlyv longitudinallymovableA with respect to the car proper, the extensions overlapping eachother, of recording mechanism associated with said draw bar extensions,said mechanism including' elements rigid with respect to a portion otone draw bar extension and other elements movable in unison with theother draw bar extension whereby relative movement betwen the draw barextensions is reproduced on the recording mechanism.

with two relatively longitudinally movable y heavy members adapted to bemovable in unison with the movements of respective couplers at the endsoit the car and each independent of the car, ot a recording nischanismassociated with said members said recording vmechanism ybeing l adaptefor operations during short intervals of time.V

and arranged to indicate the amount Iand rate of relative movementbetween saidtwo members.

9. ln combination, a car having sills, stop castings secured to saidsills, said stop castings being each provided with three sets of mainstops arranged longitudinally one behind the other, of two membersmounted between said stop castings, one of said meme bers being arrangedfor movement in unionly upon movement of either of said mem.

bers.`

10. ln combination, a car having sills, stop castings secured to saidsills, said stop castings being each provided with three sets of mainstops arranged longitudinally one behind the other, of two membersmounted between said stop castings, one of said mem bers being arrangedfor movement in unison with a. coupler at one end of the car and theother member adapted formovement in unison with a coupler at theopposite end of the car, three sets of springs and followers operativelyassociated with said stop castings and said members, and meansassociated with said members arranged to actuate two sets of springs andfollowers only;

upon movement of either of said members, and recording mechanismassociated with said members to indicate their movement relatively toeach other.

11. ln a dynamometer car, the combination with a draw bar and extensionat onek said cylinder, there being a flexible driving,

connection between the motor and said cylinder.

l2. In a dynamometer car, the combination with a horizontally movablemember of 9,000 lb. weight and moving in accordance with the movementsoit' a coupler, ofan in.

termittently operable recording mechanism associated with the car andsaid member and arranged to indicate the relative movements accelerationof said 9,000 1b. member when a therebetween, said mechanism including asudden shock is transmitted thereto. rapidly moving sheet, a stylusnormally out In Witness that I claim the foregoing I 1C of engagementtherewith, and means coacthave hereunto subscribed my name this 5th 5ing With said stylus for placing the latter in day of Sept. 1916.

operative engagement with the sheet at any desired instant to therebyrecord the rate of JOHN F. OCONNOR.

opies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C.

